traction control Ram 1500 2016 Owner's Manual

Air Suspension Menu Item — If Equipped
Push and release theUPorDOWNarrow button until
the Air Suspension menu item is highlighted in the EVIC.
Push and release theRIGHTarrow button to display the
Air Suspension status.
Trailer Tow Menu Item
Push and release theUPorDOWNarrow button until
the Trailer Tow menu item is highlighted. Push and
release theRIGHTarrow button and the next screen will
display the following trailer trip information:
•Trip (trailer specific) Distance: Push and hold the
RIGHTarrow button to reset the distance.
•Trailer Brake
•Output
•Type
•Gain
EVIC Messages (Stored)
Number of messages stored will be indicated on the
highlighted Messages Menu bar.
When no message(s) have been stored, the right arrow
will not be present in the highlighted Messages bar.
Message(s) remain stored until condition has been
cleared by your authorized service provider.
Sample of stored EVIC Messages
•Front Seat Belts Unbuckled
•Driver Seat Belt Unbuckled
•Passenger Seat Belt Unbuckled
•Service Air Bag System
•Traction Control Off
•Washer Fluid Low
342 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

Vehicles Not Equipped With Passive Entry
1. Without pushing the brake pedal, cycle the ignition to
the ON/RUN position (do not start the engine).
2. Push and release theDOWNarrow button to scroll
downward through the main menu to “Vehicle Info.”
3. Push and release theRIGHTarrow button to access
the “Oil Life” screen.
4. Push and hold theRIGHTarrow button for one
second to access the “Oil Life Reset” screen.
5. Push and release theDOWNarrow button to select
“Yes,” then push and release theRIGHTarrow button
to select reset of the Oil Life.
6. Push and release theUParrow button to exit the DID
screen.NOTE:If the indicator message illuminates when you
start the vehicle, the oil change indicator system did not
reset. If necessary, repeat this procedure.
DID Messages
•Front Seatbelts Unbuckled
•Driver Seatbelt Unbuckled
•Passenger Seatbelt Unbuckled
•Service Airbag System
•Traction Control Off
•Washer Fluid Low
•Oil Pressure Low
•Oil Change Due
•Fuel Low
•Service Antilock Brake System
360 UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL.............587
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY SURFACES.........588
▫Acceleration.........................588
▫Traction............................589
DRIVING THROUGH WATER.............589
▫Flowing/Rising Water..................589
▫Shallow Standing Water.................590
OFF-ROAD DRIVING TIPS...............591
▫After Driving Off-Road.................591
WINCH USAGE — POWER WAGON ONLY —
(IF EQUIPPED)........................593
▫Things To Know Before Using Your Winch. . . .593
▫Understanding The Features Of Your Winch . . .595▫Winch Accessories....................597
▫Operating Your Winch..................598
▫Rigging Techniques....................611
POWER STEERING.....................613
▫Electric Power Steering — 1500 Models.....613
▫Hydraulic Power Steering — 2500/3500
Models............................614
FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY 5.7L/6.4L ENGINES
ONLY — IF EQUIPPED..................616
PARKING BRAKE......................616
BRAKE SYSTEM.......................618
▫Hydraulic Brake Assist — 2500/3500 Models Only
(Except Power Wagon)..................618
ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM. . . .619
472 STARTING AND OPERATING

▫Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). . . .619
▫Brake System Warning Light..............619
▫Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)............620
▫Anti-Lock Brake Warning Light............621
▫Brake Assist System (BAS)...............622
▫Hill Start Assist (HSA).................622
▫Traction Control System (TCS)............625
▫Electronic Stability Control (ESC)..........626
▫Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)..........631
▫Trailer Sway Control (TSC)..............632
▫Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped . . .632
TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION.............636
▫Tire Markings........................636▫Tire Identification Number (TIN)...........639
▫Tire Terminology And Definitions..........641
▫Tire Loading And Tire Pressure...........642
TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION........647
▫Tire Pressure........................647
▫Tire Inflation Pressures.................648
▫Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation. . . .650
▫Radial Ply Tires......................650
▫Tire Types...........................651
▫Run Flat Tires — If Equipped.............653
▫Spare Tires — If Equipped...............653
▫Tire Spinning........................656
▫Tread Wear Indicators..................656
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 473

This electronically shifted transfer case provides four
mode positions:
•Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
•Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
•Neutral (NEUTRAL)
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two-wheel drive position (2WD) for normal
street and highway conditions on dry, hard surfaced
roads.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to
maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This isaccomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” in this
section for specific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK
and 4WD LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery
road surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause
increased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.
NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected
by pushing the button located on the lower left hand
corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case
NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing
only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 527

NOTE:The four-wheel drive system will not allow shifts
between 2WD/4WD LOCK if the front and/or rear
wheels are spinning (no traction). In this situation, the
selected position indicator light will flash and the origi-
nal position indicator light will remain ON. At this time,
reduce speed and stop spinning the wheels to complete
the shift.
2WD Or 4WD LOCK To 4WD LOW
NOTE:When shifting into or out of 4WD LOW some
gear noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h) or completely stopped. You can use
either of the following procedures:
Preferred Procedure
1. With the engine running, slow the vehicle to 2 to
3 mph (3 to 5 km/h).2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. While still rolling, rotate the transfer case control
switch to the desired position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the ignition switch in the ON position and the
engine running, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL.
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift the transmission back into gear.
532 STARTING AND OPERATING

•Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
•Neutral (NEUTRAL)
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) or four -
wheel drive position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and
highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driving
the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but
the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four -
wheel drive will be automatically engaged when the
vehicle senses a loss of traction. Because the front axle is
engaged, this mode will result in lower fuel economy
than the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to
maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the frontand rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for spe-
cific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.
NOTE:The transfer case NEUTRAL position is selected
by pushing the button located on the lower left hand
corner of the 4WD Control Switch. The transfer case
NEUTRAL position is to be used for recreational towing
only. Refer to “Recreational Towing” in “Starting And
Operating” for further information.
Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
The Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights (4WD,
4LOW, and 4WD AUTO) are located in the instrument
534 STARTING AND OPERATING

This electronically shifted transfer case provides five
mode positions:
•Two-wheel drive high range (2WD)
•Four-wheel drive automatic range (4WD AUTO)
•Four-wheel drive lock range (4WD LOCK)
•Four-wheel drive low range (4WD LOW)
•Neutral (NEUTRAL)
This electronically shifted transfer case is designed to be
driven in the two–wheel drive position (2WD) or four-
wheel drive position (4WD AUTO) for normal street and
highway conditions on dry hard surfaced roads). Driving
the vehicle in 2WD will have greater fuel economy
benefits as the front axle is not engaged in 2WD.
For variable driving conditions, the 4WD AUTO mode
can be used. In this mode, the front axle is engaged, but
the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheeldrive will be automatically engaged when the vehicle
senses a loss of traction. Because the front axle is en-
gaged, this mode will result in lower fuel economy than
the 2WD mode.
When additional traction is required, the transfer case
4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW positions can be used to
maximize torque to the front driveshaft, forcing the front
and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. This is
accomplished by rotating the 4WD Control Switch to the
desired position. Refer to “Shifting Procedure” for spe-
cific shifting instructions. The 4WD LOCK and 4WD
LOW positions are designed for loose, slippery road
surfaces only. Driving in the 4WD LOCK and 4WD LOW
positions on dry hard surfaced roads may cause in-
creased tire wear and damage to the driveline compo-
nents.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 539

CAUTION!(Continued)
and damage to the drivetrain may occur when the
axles are locked on hard surfaced roads.
•Do not try to lock the rear axle if the vehicle is
stuck and the tires are spinning. You can damage
drivetrain components. Lock the rear axle before
attempting situations or navigating terrain, which
could possibly cause the vehicle to become stuck.
The locking axles are controlled by the axle locker switch.
The switch has three positions, AXLE UNLOCK, REAR
LOCK, and FRONT/REAR LOCK. Under normal driv-
ing conditions, the switch should be left in the AXLE
UNLOCK position. In the AXLE UNLOCK position, the
front and rear axles are unlocked. In the REAR LOCK
position, the rear axle is locked. In the FRONT/REAR
LOCK position, the front and rear axles are locked.NOTE:Even when the axles are in the AXLE UNLOCK
position, the limited slip differential in the rear axle still
provides torque biasing capability for moderate low
traction environments.
During the command to lock the axle, the indicator light
will flash until the axle is locked. After the lock command
has been successfully executed, the light will remain on
solid.
To lock the rear axle, place the vehicle in 4LO. Refer to
“Four Wheel Drive Operation” in “Starting And Operat-
ing” for further information. Move the axle locker switch
position to REAR LOCK while traveling less than 3 mph
(5 km/h). The RR indicator light will remain on when the
rear axle is locked.
5
STARTING AND OPERATING 565

conditions: hard packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,
mud, snow and ice. Every surface has a different effect on
your vehicle’s steering, handling and traction. Control-
ling your vehicle is one of the keys to successful off-road
driving, so always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
and maintain a good driving posture. Avoid sudden
accelerations, turns or braking. In most cases there are no
road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. Therefore
you will need to use your own good judgment on what is
safe and what isn’t. When on a trail you should always be
looking ahead for surface obstacles and changes in
terrain. The key is to plan your future driving route while
remembering what you are currently driving over.
CAUTION!
Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
combustible materials. The heat from your vehicle
exhaust system could cause a fire.
WARNING!
Always wear your seat belt and firmly tie down
cargo. Unsecured cargo can become projectiles in an
off-road situation.
When To Use Low Range
When driving off-road, shift into 4L (Low Range) for
additional traction or to improve handling and control on
slippery or difficult terrain. Due to the lower gearing, low
range will allow the engine to operate in a higher power
range. This will allow you to idle over obstacles and
down hills, with improved control and less effort. Also,
use 4L (Low Range) in rain, ice, snow, mud, sand, to get
heavy loads rolling, improve traction, or whenever 4H
(High Range) traction will not do the job.5
STARTING AND OPERATING 571